March 22, 2012

Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine has announced the winners of the 2012 edition of the Grands Prix du tourisme québécois. The event, which was held in the lobby of the Musée de la Mer, served to highlight the efforts and dynamism of businesses in Les Îles.

The worthy winners were selected by a panel of three judges: Josiane Doyle, Manager of Château Madelinot/Auberge Madeli; Jeannot Gagnon, Director, Land Use and Local Development; and Lucien Pressault, General Manager of Caisse Desjardins des Ramées.

In addition, the judges felt that a special mention should be awarded to Autobus Les Sillons for having used its vehicles for the promotion of our region as a tourist destination. This promotional activity took place in connection with the weekly passenger service between Québec City and Les Îles and at the arrival points of international cruise passengers in cities such as Québec and Saguenay.

Dr. Yves Bolduc, Minister of Health and Social Services and the minister responsible for the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Bas-Saint-Laurent region, offered his congratulations to the award-winners. "The regional Grands Prix du tourisme gala event provides a singular opportunity to recognize and stimulate the pursuit of excellence among those who work in regional tourism," said Dr. Bolduc.

"Tourism is a key component of the economy and of the quality of life of Madelinots," said, Germain Chevarie, MNA for Îles-de-la-Madeleine. "This new edition of the regional gala of the Grands Prix du tourisme provides me with an opportunity to pay tribute to the efforts devoted to the improvement of the tourist supply", said Mr. Chevarie.

The members of the board of directors and all the employees of Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine offer warm congratulations to the businesses which have distinguished themselves in their category. They also wish to thank Caisses populaires Desjardins des Îles for their continued support and for their financial contribution to the organization of the event.

About Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine

For 29 years, Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine has been fulfilling its principal mandate, which is to bring the businesses of the archipelago to work together to expand the tourism industry. It also provides leadership regarding reception and information and for the development and marketing of the region as a tourist destination. The association comprises more than 320 businesses of Les Îles which are active in the tourism industry.